Jennings County Council President Mike Kelley (R-District 1) addresses an overflow crowd at Tuesday’s public hearing.—Staff Photo by Bryce Mayer
Over 200 people crowded into the Jennings County Government Center in Vernon Tuesday for a public hearing on proposed new income taxes to fund construction of a new Jennings County Jail.
No action was taken with another hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 2, when the Jennings County Council will vote on whether or not to adopt new taxes and possibly reduce the existing Local Income Tax rate.
Most of those present Tuesday were obviously unhappy with the prospect of a new jail with a projected construction cost of around $28 million, though several voiced support.
"This is a hearing about setting tax rates for the jail, not about any plans for the jail," said Mike Kelley (R-District 1), president of the Jennings County Council.
Nevertheless, numerous people in the audience spoke up to criticize the proposal that has been advanced since early last year to construct a brand new jail facility. County officials say they risk a mandate because of severe overcrowding at the jail which in recent months has averaged over 200 inmates, a population at around two times its capacity. The jail on South State Street, which opened in 2000, also has a multitude of infrastructure issues, most notably with a heating and air conditioning system that needs replacement.
"We were about at the same place (20 years ago) when I was on the county council," said Max Wiley of Scipio. "The experts told us we couldn't build a jail for less than $10 million. We fired the architect and found one who could build one for $5 million, which we did. You need to find a new architect."
The remark brought loud applause.
Wiley also noted that the current jail was designed so it could be expanded with an addition.
County Commissioner Matt Sporleder (R-District 3), who is also a member of the jail committee, said a study undertaken last year indicated it would cost $22 million to add on to the jail.
"That doesn't include fixing up the old part of the jail or the $4 million extra it would cost for more jail staff (over 20 years)," he said. "It wouldn't meet state requirements either because a fire truck couldn't get all the way around the building."
Councilor Howard Malcomb (R-at large) said land is available for purchase on both sides of the current jail.
"We can't replace our jail every 15 years simply because equipment needs to upgraded and replaced," he said. "This would be disastrous for the county."
"It sounds to me like you should have fired that architect 15 years ago," said Alex Murphy of Butlerville. "You took the cheap route and shot yourselves in the foot. Do we want to do that again?"
Others had different opinions.
"You've forgotten about society evidently and because of this the city may not be able to build a new pool," said Stan Cool of North Vernon. "Fix what you have. No one with common sense would think otherwise."
North Vernon attorney Larry Greathouse was among several who suggested that the county attack the cause of incarceration to reduce the inmate population.
"Programs like that in Dearborn and Lawrence counties have been successful," he said. "Studies show that up to 90 percent of people in Indiana's jails are there because of drugs or mental illness. Appoint a blue ribbon committee so we can come up with solutions."
Probation instead of jail sentences, a rehab center, work release program and reduced bonds based on risk assessments could all be part of the answer, opined Brad Bender of North Vernon.
"A rising tide lifts all ships," he said, noting that reducing the jail population instead of building a new jail and avoiding the resulting additional taxes would be greatly beneficial for the county. "We're never going to get better putting so many people in jail."
Among those in attendance were the North Vernon City Council and Mayor Mike Ochs, who pleaded for the county council not to lower the current LIT rate because part of that revenue goes to the city.
"We recognize the county is under constraints," said Brian Hatfield, city council president. "But we want the LIT rate to remain the same. It's been a godsend for us and has enabled us to get a full-time fire department. And by shifting funds, we're able to do capital improvement projects such as the pool and new (Tripton) park.
"We offer our support to the county. We're not yet sure how, but we're going to work it out."
Last week, Sporleder said during a commissioners' meeting that the city may offer a 15-acre site on CR 350N to the county at a reduced price if the LIT rate is not reduced.
Meanwhile, Sporleder defended the county's hiring last year of DLZ, an architectural firm, and Garmong Construction Services to plan the jail project.
"We contacted many people in nearby counties involved in jail projects and these firms were highly recommended," he said. "We hired what we thought were the best. We really want to do what's right for everyone who is here tonight and all the people of Jennings County."
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